Spend two evenings with award-winning artist Kristianne Tefft learning cold wax techniques at a small Midland studio. Perfect for beginners and returning students who want hands-on instruction and finished pieces to take home.
Spend two evenings with award-winning artist Kristianne Tefft learning cold wax techniques at a small Midland studio. Perfect for beginners and returning students who want hands-on instruction and finished pieces to take home.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
Cold Wax Painting at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, invites makers into a tactile evening workshop where paint becomes pliable, luminous, and sculptural. In a two-night session held Mondays, Nov 2 and Nov 9 from 6:00–8:00 pm, award‑winning artist Kristianne Tefft guides students through the unique properties of cold wax—an encaustic-adjacent medium with a soft, paste-like consistency that builds translucent layers and bold texture. The class structure balances demonstration and open studio time so every participant can experiment with layering, scraping, and mark-making while learning practical techniques for creating depth and luminosity. The studio supplies include cold wax medium, a range of oil pigments, palette knives, and heavyweight paper or panel; materials are included for the $60 tuition with a $20 materials fee. Class sizes are intentionally small (max 12) to ensure hands-on attention, and the open-studio format welcomes returning students alongside beginners. This is an accessible creative primer: no previous encaustic experience is required, and the session is open to anyone aged 16 and up. Why book this when you visit Midland? Beyond technique, Cold Wax Painting provides a concentrated creative break from outdoor pursuits on Michigan’s Saginaw River and surrounding trails. The method encourages observation of material behavior—how light reads through wax layers and how tools reveal subsurface colors—offering a hands-on way to translate place and memory into abstract surface landscapes. Participants often leave with small finished pieces and a set of skills to continue work at home. The workshop also doubles as a window into Midland’s creative culture; local makers and small-gallery initiatives have supported experimental classes like this one, making it a good entry point for visitors seeking arts-focused experiences. Practical notes: arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in, wear clothes that tolerate wax and oil, and be prepared to work in layers—cold wax is forgiving but drying times vary. If you’re traveling light, the class provides all basic tools and surfaces. Who should take it: curious beginners wanting a new medium, painters interested in texture and conservation-minded makers who favor archival approaches, and travelers seeking a compact indoor experience between hikes or river outings. The evening schedule and small group size make Cold Wax Painting easy to slot into a weekend trip or a business visit. Whether you want to learn techniques to expand your studio practice or simply spend two communal hours making tactile marks, this workshop delivers hands-on instruction, immediate takeaways, and a clear path to keep creating after you leave Midland. Register through the provided booking link to reserve a spot in the 12-person class; materials and focused instruction make this a high-value creative stop in Midland’s calendar of small-group arts events. Bring a notebook, a camera, and an open mind.
No—this workshop is suitable for beginners and returning students; the instructor covers basic techniques and safe handling of cold wax.
Yes—the class fee covers basic materials; there is a listed $20 materials fee for supplies used during the two sessions.
The workshop caps at 12 participants to keep instruction hands-on and personalized.
Participants must be at least 16 years old to enroll in this session.
Bring a flat box or portfolio; finished work can be layered and may need careful transport until fully cured.
Yes—techniques taught are designed to be reproducible at home, and the instructor provides approaches for continued practice.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
Book with Creative 360